Prediction of thyroid nodule properties and potential for malignant metastasis based on tumor pH

The acidic tumor microenvironment is a specific microenvironment of malignant tumors compared to normal tissues. However, there are no reports on relevant studies such as the diagnosis and pathological staging of thyroid tumors. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics and clinical significance of tumor pH in thyroid tumors and evaluate its correlation with clinical and neighborhood characteristics. Thyroid tumor surgical specimens were obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous People’s Hospital. The pH levels of thyroid tumor tissue, tissue located 1 cm adjacent to the tumor, and normal thyroid tissue were assessed using a pH 60 S-Z pen meter manufactured by Sanxin Instrument Factory. Data analysis and graphical representation were performed using SPSS and GraphPad software, in conjunction with postoperative paraffin pathological reports and surgical records. (1) pH in benign thyroid tumor was significantly different from PTC (p < 0.01); (2) Lymph node metastasis and invasion beyond the primary tumor site in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) showed a significant correlation with tumor pH (p < 0.01). (3) There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in invasion and metastasis between PTC & CLT and PTC & NCLT. (4) The expression of miR-21 is negatively correlated with the pH of PTC. The pH level of thyroid tumors can serve as a reliable indicator for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors, as well as for assessing metastatic potential.The standard opens a new direction for the development of thyroid tumor treatment strategies.